International Institute of Welding Diplomas

The International Institute of Welding (IIW) was founded in 1948 with the objective of being the international organization for the promotion of welding innovation and best joining practices and for providing a platform for the exchange and dissemination of evolving welding technologies and applications.

Researchers, industry practitioners and educators, students and young professionals from over 51 countries worldwide are all part of the collaborative working platform of the International Institute of Welding (IIW). This unique international cooperation is achieved through annual and intermediate meetings of IIW working units and boards, technical networking, shared projects, events, publications and web-based communications. The outcomes are shared throughout the world - promoting optimum use and innovation in joining technologies, international standardization, and quality through education, training, qualification and certification of individuals and companies for a safe and sustainable world.

The CWB Group recognizes the international importance of the IIW system for the accreditation of welding personnel. The world is harmonizing standards and IIW qualifications are the international minimum used by some countries around the world.

The CWB Group is the Authorized National Body (ANB) for the International Institute of Welding (IIW) in Canada and is issuing diplomas to welding professionals at four levels:

  • International Welding Engineer
  • International Welding Technologist
  • International Welding Specialist
  • International Welding Practitioner

Currently, there are two options for gaining qualification.

  1. The Standard Route
  2. Transitional Arrangements

The Standard Route

The Standard Route requires completion of training courses which meet the requirements of the IIW syllabus. At present, there are two accredited Authorized Training Bodies (ATBs) in Canada, at the International Welding Technologist (IWT) level.

1. Northern College in Kirkland Lake, Ontario

Our diploma programs are recognized by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) for certification. Northern College is an authorized training body for the International Institute of Welding (IIW). Certification as an International Welding Technologist through the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) provides technology graduates with job opportunities in 38 IIW member countries.

Click here for program information.

2. Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

Since 1973, the SAIT Welding Engineering Technology Program has offered full-time, hands-on education. As a specialist on the engineering team, the technologist not only understands the welding processes used in metal fabrication, but is also trained in quality control, welding metallurgy, codes, fabrication techniques, inspections, drafting, weld design, management and supervision, computer skills, and project management. Practical welding skills are also developed to gain an in-depth understanding of welding processes. The two-year program is fully nationally accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada.

Click here for program information.

 

To apply for IWT through the Standard Route:

1)     Complete the approved programs at either Northern College or SAIT.

2)     Submit the completed Candidate Application Form, supporting documentation and fees to CWB at info@cwbgroup.org.

3)     The Assessment Committee will review the information provided.  If the application is approved, you will be notified and be able to write the four IIW Module exams required to achieve the IWT diploma at any one of the CWB offices.

4)     The exams cover:

IIW Module 1 - Welding Processes and Equipment

IIW Module 2 - Materials and Their Behavior During Welding

IIW Module 3 - Construction and Design

IIW Module 4 - Fabrication, Applications Engineering

Note: The content of the IIW Module exams are covered by the approved WET programs, no additional training material is provided.  Exams are multiple choice, and generally thirty minutes in length.

5)     In accordance with IIW rules, failure in any individual module of the examination will require re-examination only in the IIW Module failed.  The maximum number of attempts for each IIW Module exam is three times.  The application fees cover the first exam attempt for all IIW Modules.  Subsequent attempts are charged at $50 + applicable taxes.

6)     Successful completion of all four of the IIW Module exams will result in the awarding of an IWT Diploma.

 

Transition Arrangements

Transition Arrangements are the requirements by which individuals with Canadian education, qualification and experience are recognized and approved for receiving IIW qualifications without attending courses through an Authorized Training Body (ATB). Due to the IIW rules for this option, only candidates who have fully met all the requirements prior to January 2008 will be accepted.

The CWB Group is currently accepting applications candidates for the Engineer, Technologist, Specialist and Practitioner under the IIW approved Canadian Transition Arrangements.

The attached document lists the specific requirements for each qualification: Click here to download a PDF document of Transition Arrangements.

 

To apply for a diploma through the Transition Arrangements:

1)     Submit the completed Candidate Application Form, supporting documentation and fees to CWB at info@cwbgroup.org.

2)     The Assessment Committee will review the information provided.  The Transition Arrangements have been approved by IIW, therefore no deviation from the stated requirements are accepted. If additional information is required, you will be informed.  If the application is approved, you will be notified, and a diploma will be issued.

 

Related links

To follow IIW activities in Canada and internationally, refer to:

For more information contact the CWB at 1-800-844-6790 or at info@cwbgroup.org.